Summer is definitely the season for going to the movies! And the whole world is turning pink for the megahit Barbie. However, frugal film fans know that it’s really all about the green, when going to the movies — saving money at the box office! With so many entertainment options nowadays, going to an actual movie theater can be an expensive adventure. [Read more…] about How to Get Discounted Tickets for ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’ & Other Summer Blockbusters
Things To Do
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo occupies 80 acres in City Park and houses more than 3,600 animals, representing around 650 species. Some, like the grizzly bear and big horn sheep are native to our Rocky Mountain backyard, while others come from far away. These include species such as the Asian elephant, lion, Komodo dragon, greater one horned rhino and western lowland gorilla.
The zoo is open every day save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Bonus, there are FREE days scattered throughout the year and you must enter a lottery to receive up to five passes per free day.
The zoo is one of Denver’s longest-running venues and opened up in 1896. But it wasn’t until 1918, with the opening of Bear Mountain, that the Denver Zoo really flourished.
Featuring artificial rock formations modeled from the natural cliffs near Morrison, Colorado, the exhibit launched a new way of seeing animals at a zoo, without bars and fences.
In fact, Bear Mountain became so iconic, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places and can be seen right across from the train depot at the zoo. The bears, however, have a much bigger home over in Harmony Hill now, but often a porcupine can be seen wandering the famous enclosure.
Over the decades the entire zoo has evolved to featured habitats that replicate each animal’s native land. Predator Ridge is a recreated African savanna.
Primate Panorama is built for monkey acrobatics where the primates swing from trees.
Tropical Discovery hosts not just rainforest and tropical weather loving creatures such as golden frogs, howler monkeys and green tree pythons, but stunning tropical plants too.
Toyota Elephant Passage has been called “the crown jewel of Denver Zoo.” It features two miles of interconnected trails on 10 acres of varied terrain.
This large and complex habitat houses Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinos and Malaysian tapirs, all who rotate among five unique, abundant habitats with mud wallows, scratching trees, shade structures and more than one million gallons of water for swimming and bathing to ensure active and healthy animals.
Other zoo attractions include the 22,000-square-foot Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital that opened in 2021, Stingray Cove where, for a fee, you can feed stingrays, and a 4D movie theater.
There’s a little natural gas-powered train chugging under 100-year-old trees, and an enchanting carousel with endangered species bouncing along instead of horses.
Check the daily online schedule to catch one of the animal shows. The playful seals and sea lions are always a hit.
Try to time your visit around feeding times, during which staff not only showcase the zoo’s residents, but give talks about them too. Guests can also feed giraffes by hand and see an array of daily animal encounters.
While seeing the animals definitely is the highlight, the zoo is more than just a place to learn about and enjoy these creatures.
It is committed to the management of the environment and its wealth of natural resources and biodiversity.
The Department of Conservation & Research has supported more than 600 projects, both in the wild and at the zoo, since 1996. While striving to help animals around the world, the Denver Zoo also plans on expanding its own space, with new and improved habitats opening almost yearly.
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver, 720-337-1400
How to save at the Denver Zoo
- Buy a membership
- Pack food to take in
- Look out for free days
- Go November 1-March 17 for winter pricing and $4 to $5 off each ticket
Hours
Open every day of the year, save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. In extreme weather it may close.
The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. daily. Closing hours vary by date so check the ticket system for entry times.
General Admission Prices
Currently, you MUST buy all tickets online in advance and reserve a day and time.
Adults: $20 / $15 (winter)
Ages 65+: $17 / $13 (winter)
Ages 3-11: $14 / $10 (winter)
Under age 2: Free
Members: Free
Landmark Theatres Offers ‘Discount Tuesdays’ with $7 Tickets — Membership Now Required
Lights! Camera! Discounts! If you love independent films, you know it’s extremely rare to get any discounts on tickets at Landmark Theatres. They offer a matinée discount on shows before 6 p.m. on weekdays and for the first show on weekends, but it’s just for a buck or two. That’s what makes the chain’s Discount Tuesdays worthy of the spotlight for frugal film fanatics. [Read more…] about Landmark Theatres Offers ‘Discount Tuesdays’ with $7 Tickets — Membership Now Required
The Wit’s Shakesbeer Presents: ‘Twelfth Night’ at Breweries All Over Town
Few things fit together like theatre and beer. And to prove it, The Wit’s Shakesbeer is back in town with the lauded, Shakespearean comedy “Twelfth Night”. The frothy, hopped-up show is FREE. Shakesbeer take a Shakespearean play, cuts it down to about an hour, performs it at bars and breweries and all of the actors imbibe before and throughout the show. [Read more…] about The Wit’s Shakesbeer Presents: ‘Twelfth Night’ at Breweries All Over Town
Out&Back Is A New Way To Save Big On Outdoor Gear. You Can Also Get Cash For Your Used Gear
Are you a passionate outdoor explorer looking to score an amazing deal on gear? Or maybe you’re looking to make an extra buck on that unused gear — skis, tents, backpacks, etc. — sitting in your closet? You may want to check out Denver-based Out&Back. The company offers huge discounts on secondhand outdoor gear from top outdoor brands. But that’s not all – you can clear out your closet by selling gently-used gear for instant cash offers. Think of it as Poshmark or The Real Real for outdoor gear. [Read more…] about Out&Back Is A New Way To Save Big On Outdoor Gear. You Can Also Get Cash For Your Used Gear
American Museum of Western Art
The idea behind the American Museum of Western Art (AMWA) is to showcase the American West and what made it such an amazing and important part of history. All through art of course.
The museum features The Anschutz Collection, which consists of over 600 paintings, drawings and sculptures spanning the 200 years of Western expansion. Of these works, more than 180 artists are represented, and showcase the American West from the early 19th century up to today. [Read more…] about American Museum of Western Art
Clyfford Still Museum
Cozied up beside the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum offers modern art lovers a chance to dive into the works of this abstract expressionist. In fact, it’s the only place in the world to see this much, if any, of Clyfford Still’s work as it holds approximately 93-percent of his portfolio.
The Museum hosts a rotating series of exhibitions, drawn from the collection and designed to enhance public understanding of Still’s significant role in the evolution of American art and to explore various aspects of Still’s life, career and creative output.

A gallery curated by kids for the museum. Photo by Linnea Covington
Denver is lucky to have this unique museum. When Still died in 1980, his will stipulated that his estate be given in its entirety to an American city willing to establish a permanent museum dedicated solely to his work.
Denver stepped up to the plate. Nearly a quarter of a century after Still’s death, the deal was sealed, and the Clyfford Still Museum was born in 2011.
Just as the art proves unique, so does the 28,500-square foot building, which was designed specifically for Still’s work, which spans the years between 1920 and 1980.
The collection as a whole features around 3,125 pieces, including 825 paintings, 2,351 works on paper, three sculptures and archives.

One of the top floor galleries filled with Still’s art. Photo by Linnea Covington
But while the venue holds all the works, not everything is displayed at once. That way, the museum is able to refresh the shows every six months and feature certain aspects of Still’s art, all while giving visitors another reason to come back.
The visitors of the museum have also had a hand in creating what you see when walking in. Two of the 2022 shows looked toward non professionals to help decide what should be hung on the walls, in this case children and Colorado residents.

Find benches around the galleries to take in the works. Photo by Linnea Covington
Take a seat in front of one of the larger masterpieces and ponder Still’s thought process when creating it.
And, if the room suddenly gets brighter or darker it doesn’t denote an epiphany, more a protective sun shade that automatically moves depending on how strong the sunlight is.

Create art on the second floor. Photo by Linnea Covington
Interaction is also a big part of the museum with conversation prompts for kids scattered about. There’s also a crafting area on the second floor where people of all ages can use materials such as pipe cleaners, beads, colored pencils, paper and other odds and ends to create a work of art, or two, or three.
There is no limit to what can be done, or how long you can spend there, as long as the museum is still open.
How to save at the Clyfford Still Museum
- Look out for FREE days
- Become a member and save
- Ages 17 and under are FREE
Things To Know
- Photography for personal, noncommercial use is allowed in the galleries. Video recordings are permitted only on mobile phones or similarly small recording devices. The use of flash and tripods are not permitted.
- Free lockers are available to stow bags more than 11 inches by 14 inches.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the Museum.
- Sketching in notebooks is permitted in the galleries with pencil only.
Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St., Denver, 720-354-4880
Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.*
Closed on Monday.
Also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
*The museum closes the week between a new and old show, check the website for details
Admission Prices
Adults: $10
Seniors (65+): $8
College students (with ID): $6
Children & Teens 17 & under: Free
Members: Free
Join Landmark Theatres’ New Landmark Loyalty Program for Discounts, Special Screenings & More
Landmark Theatres is now treating its most loyal customers like super stars! The regional theatre chain just introduced its first-ever loyalty program — Landmark Loyalty. Members enjoy lots of exclusive discounts and perks, as well as access to special screenings. Plus, there are two tiers for the loyalty program — Loyalty Member and Loyalty Lover. [Read more…] about Join Landmark Theatres’ New Landmark Loyalty Program for Discounts, Special Screenings & More
Junkyard Social Club – Unique Playground For Kids & Parents
Imagine a place where everything is made out of trash. Or more, really cool stuff that other people may look at as trash. With a towering, life-sized giraffe constructed of random things, giant swings, toy trains, digging tools and plenty of arts, crafts and things to explore, Junkyard Social Club in Boulder has become a magical place for kids and parents alike. [Read more…] about Junkyard Social Club – Unique Playground For Kids & Parents
Colorado Welcomes World’s Largest Indoor Inflatable Park Bounce Empire
Colorado is now home to the world’s largest indoor inflatable park! Bounce Empire (1380 S. Public Rd.) is a 50,000-square-foot indoor bounce house theme park in Lafayette — just 15 minutes from Denver or Boulder. With more than 50 attractions for kids of all ages (including adults!), the attraction is a must-do for families looking for a fun and unique adventure for all to enjoy! [Read more…] about Colorado Welcomes World’s Largest Indoor Inflatable Park Bounce Empire
Get $41 Tickets To Arvada Center Production Of ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’
It’s easy to forget that some of the best professional theater in the metro Denver area, isn’t actually in downtown Denver. The Arvada Center produces professional, Equity live productions on both its Main Stage and in the Black Box Theatre. Live theater can be costly, but the Arvada Center offers discounts for most of its musicals and plays. Read on for details about the latest deal. [Read more…] about Get $41 Tickets To Arvada Center Production Of ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’
Become Denver Film Member for Free Screenings, Ticket Discounts & More
Calling all cinephiles, film aficionados and movie lovers! Denver loves the arts and Denver Film is home to one of our city’s premier arts organizations. Since 1978, Denver Film has worked to promote film as both an art form and a civic forum. As the only nonprofit theater in Colorado, the organization is dedicated to engaging both its members and the general public in a lifelong relationship with film. [Read more…] about Become Denver Film Member for Free Screenings, Ticket Discounts & More
Denver Art Museum
You don’t have to know about art to have a great time at the Denver Art Museum. Located on the southern boarder of Civic Center Park, the venue features not only an array of changing exhibits, but many permanent collection galleries, interactive art spots, and plenty for kids to see and experience throughout the museum.
Bonus, children 18 and younger are always FREE, and there are a handful of FREE days throughout the year.

Taking in some of the art. Photo by Linnea Covington
One of the main attributes the Denver Art Museum is known for is its collection of American Indian art, as well as an extensive showcase of pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art objects, one of the finest collections in the world.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, the two-building museum has thousands of works to see, both in the permanent and visiting collections.
History plays a big part too. Though founded in 1893, the museum didn’t land in a set space until 1971 when it opened in what is now known as the Lanny & Sharon Martin Building.
It’s that castle-looking structure seen from the park, and one of only two buildings in North America designed by the Italian architect Gio Ponti.
The museum expanded with the opening of the Frederic C. Hamilton Building in 2006, right across the street from the original venue.
For a time the Martin Building was closed as the new structure, designed to resemble the mountain skyline by architect Daniel Libeskind, became the main hub.

The entrance of the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington
Due to the popularity of the art museum, the old building was renovated and reopened in 2021.
While the outside of the Martin Building looks the same, the eight-level interior now boasts a new design complete with expanded contemporary artist space, unique views of the city and mountains, a refreshed Northwest Coast and Alaska Native gallery, Asian art gallery, a new gallery of European Art dated before the 1800s, textile art and fashion gallery, and a dedicated photography gallery.
Also to note, the expansion made possible a complete display of all of the museum’s Western art collection for the first time ever.

Exhibits change all the time at this museum. Photo by Linnea Covington
Now there are 12 collections always on display, plus numerous special and traveling exhibits. Some of the special shows are international blockbusters, and others, quieter but equally amazing displays.
In fact, sometimes the Denver Art Museum gets first looks at exhibits before they travel on. Check out the informative docent tours to help enrich the visitor’s experience, which are included with admission.

Go to the top of the museum and look down for an artsy view. Photo by Linnea Covington
Another aspect to note is the Storytelling Studio, a great spot for all ages. Here, a featured artist is often at work and guests can come up to observe and ask questions about what they are doing and their process.
Aside from that, there’s a themed art project based on the artist’s work, and another craft kids and adults can do that pays homage to an exhibit at the museum.
There’s no limit to how many materials you can use or how long you can stay in the studio, just as long as the museum is open.

Do your own art at the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington
Other parts of the Denver Art Museum also cater to younger visitors, encouraging them to be part of the art and explore creativity. There’s the Thread Studio in the north building, a station to design a box inspired by Korean lacquer art in the Asian Art galleries, and more.
Also, keep an eye out for family labels throughout the European Art before 1800 galleries and the Western American Art galleries, they are meant to help you quiz little ones about what they see and start a conversation.
With so much to do, it’s easy to spend a day here. But if you get hungry, it’s okay to leave the space to eat outside or at a nearby restaurant and come back in when you’re done.

Look for art all over the museum, even when you’re not in a gallery. Photo by Linnea Covington
A good one to check out is the museum’s own, The Ponti, located on the north campus and named after the famed architect who designed the building.
Here, James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski serves local, innovative American fare with a strong push of vegetables and fresh ingredients. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting the museum, general admission tickets are available to purchase several weeks in advance. Tickets are timed to help stagger entry, though it’s possible to get tickets at the counter on most days.
For special exhibits it’s best to reserve early. While many of the shows at the Denver Art Museum are included in the ticket price, some cost extra to see.

From modern to ancient art, there’s something for everyone at the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington
Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, 720-913-0130
Museum Hours
Daily: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission Prices
Adults: $13/Colo. Resident; $18/Others
Seniors (65+) & Military (with ID): $10/Colo. Resident; $15 Others
College Student (with ID): $10/Colo. Resident; $15 Others
Kids 18 & Under: FREE
Denver Art Museum Members: FREE
Best Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver
The Mile High City not only lures with its Rocky Mountain beauty, but its varied and affordable activities and attractions. Tourists and locals alike can have loads of fun here without busting their budget. Here’s a list of FREE and low-cost things to do around Denver and Boulder: [Read more…] about Best Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver
Freebie: Live Online Budgeting Class
Our friends Dan and Kay are saving a FREE seat for you for this class they’re hosting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 8 p.m. (Mountain Time). They are going over the proven framework that takes the guesswork out of getting ahead and actually saving money towards your biggest financial goal. You can register for free. [Read more…] about Freebie: Live Online Budgeting Class